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In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, medical adhesives play a pivotal role in wound closure, surgical procedures, and various medical applications. Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in this field, with industry big players and innovative startups pushing the boundaries of what medical adhesives can achieve.
In this blog, we will explore the latest developments by major players, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and start-ups that are reshaping the future of medical adhesives.
Let’s first delve into the achievements of industry giants who have long been the pillars of innovation in the medical adhesive sector.
Founded on June 13, 1902, in Two Harbors, Minnesota, U.S., 3M has emerged as a stalwart in the medical adhesive industry, renowned for its commitment to innovation. In 2023, the company achieved a total revenue of 32.68 billion dollars. One notable breakthrough is the development of 3M™ Durapore™ Surgical Tape. This adhesive boasts a unique combination of high adhesion and breathability, making it an ideal choice for various medical applications. Recent advancements in their portfolio also include adhesives designed for specific surfaces, ensuring optimal performance and durability.
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Additionally, 3M has embraced nanotechnology to enhance the precision of its medical adhesives. Nanomaterials have enabled the creation of adhesives with superior bonding capabilities at the molecular level, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster healing. [1]
Partnership
In October 2022, 3M – the science-based technology giant, took centre stage in a strategic collaboration with PolarSeal Tapes & Conversions and coating & laminating experts FLEXcon. Together, they pioneered the development of cutting-edge wearable medical device adhesive solutions. With 3M’s unparalleled expertise and innovative contributions, that collaboration was poised to address the surging demand in the growing wearable technology market. The focus on 3M’s technology underscored a commitment to pushing the boundaries of adhesive solutions for the evolving needs of the medical device industry. [2]
Established in January 1886 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States, Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare conglomerate, has been at the forefront of bioabsorbable medical adhesives. In 2023, the company achieved a total revenue of 85.16 billion dollars. These adhesives are designed to dissolve gradually, eliminating the need for a second intervention to remove sutures or staples.
One innovative product is the SURGICEL® FIBRILLAR™ Absorbable Hemostat, which not only provides effective hemostasis but also aids in tissue repair.
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Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson has invested in research to develop smart adhesives with integrated sensors. These sensors can monitor the healing process in real-time, providing valuable data to healthcare professionals and ensuring optimal post-operative care.
[3]Now, let’s take a closer look at the contributions of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in advancing medical adhesive technology.
Founded in 1998 with headquarters in Delta, British Columbia, GluStitch Inc. is an emerging and innovative provider of purified, high-quality medical and dental cyanoacrylate products. The company reported a revenue of $6 million in the latest financial year.
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GLUSEAL, developed by Glustitch, is a transparent liquid bandage designed for the coverage of cuts, scrapes, burns, and minor skin irritations, offering protection against infections. Serving as a proficient and gentle option for sutures, it effectively closes small incisions and lacerations, yielding enhanced cosmetic outcomes. This product is non-sterile and is manufactured in Canada. [4]
Adhezion Biomedical, LLC, headquartered in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, specializes in creating innovative cyanoacrylate-based surgical, wound management, and infection prevention technologies. Established in 2001, the company aims to revolutionize the application of cyanoacrylate-based surgical adhesives and sealants in the medical field. As of 2023, it operates as a subsidiary of the H.B. Fuller Group and has a revenue of $9 million.
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Their product, the SecurePortIV™, is a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive designed for securing intravenous (IV) catheters. This adhesive provides a strong bond and minimizes the risk of catheter-related complications. [5]
Acquisition
Adhezion Biomedical has been acquired by H.B. Fuller. As a prominent U.S. medical adhesives company, Adhezion brings global reach, with customers in more than 40 countries and more than 35 global certifications, including 105 patents. This strategic acquisition positions H.B. Fuller for innovation in the $8 billion healthcare adhesives market. With Adhezion Biomedical’s approximately 50 employees now integrated into H.B. Fuller’s Hygiene, Health, and Consumable Adhesives unit, the company is poised for accelerated growth, offering new medical-grade technology and application expertise while reaffirming its commitment to delivering enhanced value to customers worldwide. [6]
And now, let’s explore the disruptive innovation brought about by a startup that is making waves in the medical adhesive industry.
Headquartered in Berkeley, CA, AsparaGlue was founded in 2023 and claims to be the world’s only biocompatible and biodegradable medical superglue.
They specialize in the development and production of medical devices, focusing on wound closure, surgical sealants, superglue, and tissue adhesive solutions.
They have created a medical adhesive with superglue properties suitable for both external wound closure and internal tissue adhesion and sealing.
Natural and Sustainable:
AsparaGlue is crafted from natural biomolecules, ensuring a product free from toxic chemicals. Its composition promotes full degradability, contributing to an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution.
This innovative adhesive sets rapidly, polymerizing within seconds to produce a soft and flexible substance. Remarkably, AsparaGlue achieves a bonding strength comparable to cyanoacrylate superglues, ensuring reliable adhesion in various applications.
AsparaGlue demonstrates effectiveness for both internal tissue adhesion and external wound closure. This capability broadens its applicability across various medical procedures, highlighting its efficacy in diverse medical settings.
AsparaGlue offers flexibility in application methods, presenting healthcare professionals with choices suitable for different situations. Whether applied as a liquid through spray or brush techniques, or utilized as a patch, this adaptability aims to enhance patient outcomes. The varied application methods not only contribute to improved results but also work towards reducing procedure time, patient pain, and overall recovery time. [7]
The landscape of medical adhesives is evolving rapidly, with both industry giants and start-ups contributing to the advancement of this critical healthcare technology.
For an in-depth understanding of Medical Adhesives, you can refer to our previous blogs: Medical Adhesives: Types, Uses, and Advancements and Evolution and Innovations of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tapes.
From precision and bio absorbability to elastin-based formulations and specialized emergency care solutions, these innovations hold the promise of transforming medical practices, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare. As these players continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the medical community can anticipate even more groundbreaking developments in the field of medical adhesives in the years to come.
As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay abreast of the latest developments. Services like Technology Research offered by Wissen Research can play a pivotal role in keeping the medical industry informed about cutting-edge advancements, ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to the most advanced and effective solutions.
Authored by: Guniyal Bagga
References:
https://www.jnjmedtech.com/en-US/product/surgicel-fibrillar-absorbable-hemostat
https://glustitch.com/products/gluseal-reg-90
https://adhezion.com/products/secureportiv/
https://adhezion.com/news/07/05/2023/h-b-fuller-acquires-adhezion-biomedical/